Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Friday, 21 March, 2014. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Friday 21st of March, 2014,
Tradition of Shepparton long course triathlon to continue!
It is with much excitement the City of Greater Shepparton announces today that Shepparton will host a new long course triathlon event in 2014 as part of the Challenge Family global series.
A newly formed partnership between McPherson Media Group, Challenge Family, SuperSprint and Greater Shepparton City Council will see a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run triathlon being held on November 16, 2014.
The race will build on Shepparton tradition, but will offer a completely new course, with the event being held at the iconic Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton.
Organisers promise it will deliver the same outstanding experience for triathletes that has made Shepparton one of the leading stops in the national calendar.
There are now 27 Challenge Family races around the world in 15 countries, including the world's largest long distance triathlon, the iconic Challenge Roth in Germany, and five races are across Australia.
"Through the endeavours of the McPherson Media Group, with support from Council, it is exciting to announce that not only will a long course race continue to be offered in Shepparton, but it will be held in a brand new location," explains Mayor Jenny Houlihan. "Finally competitors will have the opportunity to race in and around our beautiful iconic Victoria Park Lake."
McPherson Media Group and Council recognise the magnitude and importance of such an event to the Shepparton community, and this newly formed partnership is a positive step in securing the long-term future of a long course race in Shepparton.
"When we heard the Shepparton Triathlon Club was unable to stage an event this year we at the Shepparton News knew we had to do what we could to help secure the 2014 event", explains McPherson Media CEO, Damian Trezise.
"The event will be called ‘Challenge Shepparton' and will move to an exciting new home starting at Victoria Park Lake for its main 113km long course event."
"We're really pleased the new event has been accepted into the Challenge Family global series. We're working with Council and SuperSprint, the professional race organiser behind the sell-out Challenge Melbourne race, to deliver a first-rate race that everyone expects in Shepparton. We will work with local athletes and businesses keen to help the Shepparton tradition of running successful triathlon events", explains Mr Trezise.
Mayor Jenny Houlihan further reinforces the new venture's commitment to the community. "We commend the business sector and community organisations in their show of support in exploring alternative options in order for Greater Shepparton to retain a sporting event that contributes significantly to our community, both economically and socially. We, the event partners, will also continue to financially support all the local clubs and charities who supply the vital 500-strong army of volunteers for the weekend of the race."
The prospect of the new long course race has been embraced by the Shepparton community.
CEO of the Committee for Shepparton, Matt Nelson, says: "This is Shepparton at its best. We took a knock when we heard the triathlon couldn't continue and we've got back up. The business and wider community has stepped up, yet again."
"This is a truly great event for our city which generates significant economic activity and adds to our reputation as a premier events destination. I congratulate McPherson Media, Council and Challenge Family for seizing this opportunity."
Council is looking forward to working with McPherson Media Group, the Challenge Family global series and our community in making this event a great success and a fantastic experience for the competitors.
Online entries for the event open at 1pm today at www.challengeshepparton.com.au
Any media enquiries can be directed to:
Mr Kelvin Maude
McPherson Media Group
P: 0411 238 319
E: kelvin.maude@mmg.com.au
More News from Greater Shepparton
Thursday 30th of April,
Council welcomes PET scanner funding for GV Health, but greater cancer care investment still needed
Greater Shepparton City Council has acknowledged the Victorian Government’s announcement of $7.1 million in the 2026/27 State Budget to operationalise a new PET scanner at Goulburn Valley Health, describing it as a positive but limited step toward meeting… Read more
Thursday 30th of April,
Council endorse land acquisition to improve safety at busy Numurkah Road intersection
Greater Shepparton City Council have endorsed the purchase of a small parcel of land from IGA, to support the planned upgrade of the Numurkah Road and Hawkins Street intersection in Shepparton. Read more
Wednesday 29th of April,
Council endorses pathway to rebuild Shepparton Italian Social Club building
Greater Shepparton City Council has set a clear pathway for the reinstatement of the former Shepparton Italian Social Club building, endorsing a recommendation at its April Council Meeting on Tuesday. Read more
Wednesday 29th of April,
Greater Shepparton overlooked in State Budget road funding
Greater Shepparton has again been overlooked in the Victorian Government’s upcoming 2026/27 State Budget, with no funding allocated to address congestion, road safety or critical freight routes across the municipality. Read more
Tuesday 28th of April,
Greater Shepparton misses out again as bus funding focuses on metro routes
The State Government’s latest public transport announcements have again highlighted significant inequities between metropolitan and regional Victoria, with just three improvements identified across regional areas and no commitment to review outdated… Read more
Monday 27th of April,
Road maintenance funding does not address long term regional challenges
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the latest announcement from the Victorian Government of a $1 billion allocation for regional road maintenance is not an increase in investment for regional Victoria. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 6th of May,
Author Talk at Shepparton Library - James Wrigley: Retire Life Ready
Join James Wrigley, author of Retire Life Ready, for a practical, engaging session on creating the retirement you want. Read more
Sunday 10th of May,
Riverlinks and Jade Hurley Productions present JADE HURLEY's - Mothers Day Special
Australia’s King of Country Rock and Piano Man View on Riverlinks
Thursday 7th of May,
May GVYP Social Dinner
Come along and join us at the fabulous local Shepparton Brewery for our monthly social. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, this is a great opportunity to meet plenty of new young people. Read more
Friday 8th of May,
Rumbalara Football Netball Club Presents Short Black Opera for Kids -- Proudly Sponsored by Riverlinks and Greater Shepparton City Council
Rumbalara Football Netball Club and Short Black Opera are united in their commitment to support First Nations children to learn, maintain and share their culture, the longest continuous culture on earth. View on Riverlinks
Tuesday 5th of May,
Riverlinks and Winding Road Productions present Fever! - The Songs of Peggy Lee -- AN AFTERNOON DELIGHT
She is best remembered for her finger-snapping style as she sang about Romeo & Juliet and Captain Smith’s little crush on Pocahontas - but she’s so much more than just the diva that gave us Fever! View on Riverlinks
Sunday 10th of May,
Mother's Day Picnic
A relaxed Mother’s Day picnic experience featuring a generous shared menu, drink on arrival and kids picnic packs, set against the Dookie Hills landscape. Bring a picnic rug and settle in for the afternoon,… Read more
See All Events